“Never be ashamed of anything you do.” Tiberius Kirk Jordan Junior is living his best life until a turn of events puts him on a five year sit down. Freshly off a pause in life, he has a new outlook and plans to maintain that outlook. When an enemy that he least expects pops up, will he revert to the beast he once was, or will his outlook stay intact? He doesn’t have time for love, just fun, but what happens when one night of fun changes his course in life? Leydi Nettie Carter is an introverted college student just trying to make it through school and life. Outside of her best friend, Iesha, she doesn’t play with others. One night of trying to play nice turns into a night that changes the trajectory of her life forever. Will she be able to live with the actions she’s taken or will shame set in?
Mel Dau (Melvin’s Daughter) was born in Vicenza, Italy but raised in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She is the baby girl and only girl of three. She has always had a love for books beginning with the Baby Sitter’s Club, R.L. Stine, and Christopher Pike. She dabbled in writing as she grew up but never took it as seriously as she should have.
Mel Dau graduated from from Wando High School, then later matriculated to Benedict College (BSW) and Webster University (MHRM). She is a mother of a teenage daughter, a HR Professional, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Her love for Urban Literature did not arrive until Mid-2016. Reading over 900 books from 2016 to 2017, she was obsessed with reading--an obsession that helped her cope with her father’s illness and death. In March of 2018, she decided to finally come from behind the wall and submit a short story which resulted in her first Book, Khiaere and Phy: A Charleston Love Story being published under Queens of Lit Presents. Under Queens of Lit Presents, she successfully published 15 titles that were all debuted in the top fifty on Amazon Top 100.
In May of 2020, she was signed to her new publisher B. Love Publications where she continues her growth as an author. Her purpose as an author is to provide her readers’ with her E³ formula, Entertain, Encourage & Educate. She achieved her first #1 Bestseller with her Erotica title, Pet The Kitty. In August of 2020 she founded Mel Dau Publications, LLC to pursue self-published projects. Penning in a lane all her own, her Informational Dramas fulfills her purpose with every release. Her overall desire is to use her fiction catalog to help change at least one person’s non-fiction reality.
Let the record show *Claire Huxtable voice* that Mel Dau is 🗣️THAT CHICK!!! I have yet to read a book from her that she didn’t break her foot off in! We got double the pleasure and double the fun with two couples in this book.
Leydi and Iesha were “bestest” friends and were juniors at UNCC on softball scholarships. Come on black women playing softball!!! These two were inseparable, when you saw one you saw the other. Leydi decides she wants to pledge and some of the soror girls convince her to get dolled up and come to the club. Leydi had no idea that that one outing would change her life forever.
Tiberius “Ty” Jordan was forced to grow up at a young age after his father died. As the man of the house he took care of his mother and younger brother. His father actually planned for his untimely death and set them up nicely. Well after his mother begins a downward spiral into drug addiction, one event leads to a life changing outcome for Ty. Years pass and Ty is ready for a fresh start. His brother and right hand Derrick decide to welcome him home with a night at the club and he had no idea that his life would never be the same.
This was such a good story and I highly recommend it! Not only did we get to follow Ty and Leydi’s journey to HEA but Derrick and Iesha end up together and when I tell you these two kept me cackling…. I CACKLED!!! There was just the right amount of drama and no angst! Y’all know we love an angst free love story. You definitely want this on your TBR!!
I generally don't care for young adult romance but, Mel Dau always comes through and manages to make these books so entertaining and enjoyable. I loved every single character in Shameless Love. The dynamics of the relationship between Leydi, Tiberius, Iesha, and Derrick was truly heartwarming. This was a group of young adults who came together and showed you what true friendship really was. Leydi and Ty managed to turn a one night stand into a whole relationship with babies. Iesha and Derrick went from practically hating and raggin' on each other to falling in love. That little plot twist Ty's mama threw at the end just brought this circle of friends closer and made their bond tighter. Shameless Love was sweet sorta coming of age story. Everyone's love journey ended with a HEA that literally had me saying awwwwwwww when the book was over.
3.5 stars Way too much happened here for such a short novella. Two couples, unplanned pregnancy, drama with multiple parents, addiction, etc. This needed to be expanded into two books, imo.
I loved just about every minute of this. I say just about bc I wasn't here for the kidnapping part, yet I understand how it helped with the flow of the story.
If I love nothing else, I love a confident person and Leydi was definitely that. She truly didn't mess with anyone, so I didn't understand the whole sorority girls trying to get her caught up. Some people are just too lame😒. I like that Leydi (pronounced Lady), had Iesha, her best friend and college roommate, at her side. Always keep you a rider😏. It was messed up for Leydis' mom to try to shun her for getting pregnant out of wedlock, yet did the same thing, she just didn't think her daughter knew. That's just like a religious person, but that's a discussion for another day and another book😏. Either way, Leydi held her head high and didn't miss a beat with school. Applause, applause.
Iesha was a friend you need around. Not just bc she'd pimp slap someone for you, but just bc they're an upstanding, uplifting loyal person. I love that even in her hardships growing up with an addict for a mom, that she never let her love waiver for her mother. I'm glad that she took no shame in helping her mom when she could. I liked that even though they were just friends at the time, that Derrick was willing to look out for Ieshas' mom when the time came. Iesha and Derrick were beyond hilarious and I love them as a couple. Dysfunctional, yet so right fit each other.
Tiberius, aka Ty, was a really good man. He held his family down and tried to extend that to his ungrateful mother, yet she was too far gone. When he didn't push back too much once Leydi told him she was pregnant, I knew he was a winner. I'm glad he stepped up immediately and only wanted to ensure she had everything she'd need to take care of herself while carrying his twins. I like how their relationship happened organically over time. The way they originally hooked up was very non-organic, yet it was how things were supposed to be with them. He was a loyal brother to Kirk and friend to Derrick, who he later found out was in fact his brother too.
The whole situation with Ty's mom was a whole trip. Addiction is one heck of a drug and although I hate what she did to Leydi to try to get back at Ty, I'm glad she got what she deserved. Just sad🤦🏾♀️.
Another Mel Dau banger. Great read. Highly recommend.
Bay-be Queen Mel with Shameless Love. Like everything about this book was sooo good. There was drama, laughter, love, the breaking of generational curses and the true meaning of family isn't always the ones you share dna with. Ty definitely received the ultimate betrayal from his mom after he risked his life to save her and his brother, got him locked down for 5 years. Out and ready to get his life back on track, his best friend Derrick and brother Kirk take him to a strip club to scope out potential😺. Ledyi is a junior in college thriving in school and on the soccer field, who pretty much stays to herself. With the encouragement from her bestie Iesha she accepts the invitation from one of the sororities to go out and let her hair down. Iesha is a straight shooter with no filter who's determined to continue breaking a generational curse of teenage pregnancy and drug use. One night changed of drunken sex changed Ledyi's & Ty's life. Tia was a jealous vindictive lol bih. What she did to Ledyi & the stunt she she pulled with Iesha's mom warranted that beat down and everyone that followed. As always karma is the best pay back and she got hers😁. Ty got out and had a insta family and I loved that he embraced it, made sure Ledyi didn't have to story about more she was gonna pay for school. He was the man in every since of the word. Her momma was dead wrong for how she treated her. She was bitter and judgemental as hell and had the nerve to call herself a woman of God🙄. Derrick & Iesha kept her laughing. Those two and their shenanigans, Lord I was so glad when they finally got together. Iesha was the real MVP in my book cause although her mom had been on drugs since she turned 12 she still treated her like a Queen. She never looked down on her and I was sooo happy when she made the choice to get clean💞 I don't wish death on nobody but Ty momma wasn't ish. From the beginning of the book till the and she was a hateful, bitter, disrespectful, evil spawn of Satan😡. The hatred she showed Ty all for the sins off his father, smdh😒. In the end despite all the drama and craziness these couples with through they got their HEA.
Some books don’t need logic or deep explanation. They just hit. This was one of those stories that simply felt good in my spirit. Leydi is that girl who refuses to carry shame that doesn’t belong to her and I loved that for her. She stood ten toes down in her truth. Two grown adults. Private space. Consent given. The violation wasn’t the act it was the recording and sharing period 🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾. Her refusal to shrink herself to make others comfortable was powerful and refreshing.
Ty’s journey was layered in a quiet way. His jail sentence was stupid af imo. 5 years later and he's set for life. Him deciding to leave the streets alone was definitely the move.
Gotta love Derrick and Iesha! They were pure comedy, tension and chemistry all wrapped in one. Their banter was top tier enemies to lovers goodness and honestly stole a few scenes. Every pairing in this book felt intentional like the connections were meant to stretch, challenge and elevate one another.
This wasn’t about being flawless. It was about owning your choices, your desires and your actions without apology. Sometimes a book is just good because it lets its characters be human, bold and unapologetic. This one did exactly that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This right MS. Dau was made with much love and a whole foot put in there; but it’s no surprising because it is like that for most if not all of your books. Leidy and Ty were so perfect. I loved Leidy no nonsense, no games, no drama, no hiding attitude. She was very down to earth and was independent, intelligent and a very strong black woman. Tideus was THE MAN. Dang, if I could get me a Ty, the stuff I would be doing, humph 😤... bae all the way, everyday, 365 days a year! Iesha and Derrick were the bestest of friends that anyone could have asked for (even though Derrick had an advantage). Iesha was down to earth as well with no filter, no holding back which was the same as Derrick and that’s why they matched so well. This story was very good as it touched upon the drug users and how it could dismantle a family no matter how strong they could me. It also touched upon religion and how the difference between fanatics and devout is so thin yet so judgement. Now my favorite part of all is the visits from Karma to Marta, Trisha, VJ, they each got what they deserved. Again a great job, MS. Dau
I am just going to start this review, saying I absolutely love your penmanship. Every book that I have read by you, I have thoroughly enjoyed. It is something about your writing that I can honestly say its your passion and gift. Your imagination and creativity are quite vivid.
I want to invite everyone to read this book, they will not be disappointed. Love comes in many different ways and forms. The way Ty and Leydi story unfolded was very unique but intriguing. The bonds that Ty had with his brother and best friend were unbreakable as well as Leydi and Ieesha. Leydi and Ieesha were more like sisters than best friends. Every female needs a best friend like Ieesha in their life. She is the true definition of a ride or die chick. Ty and Leydi story lead to other romantic blooming within the circle. This read is worth the download. I most definitely recommend it.
P.S. Feel free to release a novella on Leesha and Derrick's nuptials, I will be one of the first people to download and partake.
My appreciation for this author’s writing skill continues to grow with every book I read in her catalog!!!!… I loved how Derrick made sure that Momma Bug was okay and felt welcomed and appreciated!!!…I appreciated Momma Bug knowing that until you are ready, help will not be enough!!!… Leydi was such a great spirit and I loved her outlook on life and how she handled herself in her time of struggle!!!…She made no excuses and she dealt with the consequences!!!… Tiberius was a protector and his protection came at a cost to him!!!…I was glad to see that his brother made sure business was handled while his brother was serving his time!!!… This was a beautifully written book with real life issues and consequences!!!… My heart truly broke for Iesha, but she was definitely the definition of where you come from does not define who you are and I loved that her mother was made to feel less than who she was!!!…The way they loved each other made me cry and cheer for them to win, and they did!!!… The banter btwn the friends was PURE AWESOMENESS!!!…
I liked this novella a lot. Leydi and Iesha were the bestest friends and had each others back. Ty and Derrick were brothers from other mothers and had each others back and were down for whatever for each other.
Leydi and Ty were cute together and found love after what should have been a one night stand. Iesha and Derrick kept me laughing with their antics but they were a true match with their reckless mouths and standing ten toes down for their best friends.
The hatred Ty’s mother had for him broke my heart and had me looking at her sideways because she was off her rocker. Leydi’s mother was too with how she talked to her but she got her stuff together and apologized.
It was good seeing both couples get to their happily ever after. My only complaint would be wanting each couple to have their own separate novellas or for this one to be longer to get more from each couple.
Another great read Mel! I loved the relationship with Leydi and Iesha right away. Hard to find a friend who is down for you like that. Leydi stepping out of her comfort zone went left quick, and things started to spiral. I hated that hatin' heifer put her out there like that, but karma will always take care of it! Ty, was that dude! Just living life and making his money. I was furious when things went down with his mother and her man! How dare she do some ish like that?! 🤬 But, he landed on his feet. Meeting Leydi was fate, as they both did not normally frequent clubs. There was an instant chemistry! Iesha and Derrick were hilarious! These friends/family were right there to do what was necessary to protect and care for the other. Ain't no shame here, just love! Enjoyed it! 👍👍👍
When I read one of Mel Dau's latest books, Pulse of True Soulmates, there was a link to this book. I hurried up and bought this book because I wanted to read Tiberius' backstory, and I wasn't disappointed. This book was a treat because not only did it contain Tiberius and Leydi's relationship, it also contained Derrick and Iesha's. Leydi and Iesha were besties/college roommates and Tiberius and Derrick were best friends. Tiberius and Leydi were attracted to each other from the very beginning. Their being together led to Derrick and Iesha coming into each other lives. Their back and forth had me cracking up. All of the friends had each other's backs and that dynamic flowed throughout the book. I loved everything about this book because it had drama, chemistry and humor. Great book!!
This was such a fun story to read! Even with the not so good parts, there was something about Leydi & Ty and Iesha & Derrick that had me so locked in and invested, just rooting for the best to happen. I really love how real Leydi was. She did what she did when she first met Ty, unashamed. And when she went to him later to explain her current situation, I respect how she was understanding of his questions and requests. Leydi and Ty grew into a relationship under less than ideal circumstances, but they had something solid. I enjoyed Iesha and Derrick too, they were hilarious! Altogether, they made a group of friends and lovers whose support and love for each other was beautiful to see. Excellent story, Mel Dau, Brava!👏🏾
I was introduced to this author with The Love Spectrum and I really enjoyed that story! She did such a great job at showcasing love though a disability. I dove into her other work because I was hoping to read more like it, but the more I read the more I realize they aren't written the same. I really enjoyed Quarantine Love, but all the others stories are kind of written in a completly different tone. Its almost like those two were mature and loving and the other titles I've read are ratchet teenage drama except some are in college or some are adults. I'm still holding out for something similar to those other two stories, because that is my preferred writing style. Other than the tone and maturity level, the story was well written.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love how Tiberius and Leydi met at the strip club. It made me think of T-Pain hit song, “I in love with a stripper” for some reason. It was foul how they did Leydi with the posting of her sex tape with Ty without her permission, but in the end karma got Tia. Derrick and Iesha was a whole mess of a couple that I couldn’t stop reading and I love every minute of their back and forth with each other. I glad love conquer them at the end. I knew Ty’s mom was a vengeful 🤬🤬🤬🤬 for him killing Vernon, Sr., but to get his son to ploy on her son for money was crazy. God don’t like ugly and so she is now with boyfriend 6 feet deep. I can’t wait to read another book by the author!
Leydi (Lady) just wanted one night of fun. Tiberius was fresh out of jail and just trying to find a lil action. One Night caused a Domino Effect that flipped her world upside-down.
Did I enjoy the journey, tho? Heck yeah? This lil street lit remance gave everything! I think I have a new crush!
That has to be Iesha on the cover!! Should we all be so lucky as to have a real one like her on our team. I love her! Throw in Derrick, and those 2 got each other in a way only they could. With her knuck, if you buck attitude and his no filter having mouth, they will have you rolling!
Who are these teenagers that put money in money market accounts? Own properties and businesses?? Their circumstances could have broken them, but not only did they persever, they even excelled.
Leydi shocked me with what she did in the club with Ty. This book was very good. Ty really spared his mother’s life when I know it was hard to even look at her. Leydi was strong to endure the criticism from her “church going” mother. Iesha had me CRYING bad on the chapter with her mother in the beginning. Derrick was the jokester but also had serious, doesn’t play side to him. When Iesha was about to go on a date he stopped that immediately. Both set’s of friends really met their match. I loved though especially Leydi that both ladies finished their college education. This book had me laughing then crying the next minute but it was so good!
That story escalated quick and I LIKED IT! That little stunt between Leydi and Tiberius got the ball rolling on their lives and everyone else involved, including Iesha and Derrick. I hated how everything transpired with everyone's parents, but there were some lights at the end of those tunnels. This story taught me to never be ashamed, of anything, regardless. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially when the characters mentioned the author's past titles in their conversation, that was CUTE! This much anticipated book was everything 😍
Each book I read by Mel Dau just keep getting better…….Leydi, Ty, Iesha,and Derrick including kirk each had their own parental issues they were dealing with but they did it together with no judgement…now Ty and Kirks mom Marla why take it out on your sons cause their day has a outside child…..Leydi mon needed to get over herself now Iesha’s Mama bug new she needed rehab but just wasn’t ready They made their own family and supported each other unconditionally But that Derrick and Iesha I need a whole book cause they held no punches
Hmmmm, 🤔 this storyline particularly with Leydi’s club escapades was random, reckless, uncharacteristic & even inconceivable for me to fathom. This, in comparison to the persona of the student athlete her academic, collegiate/career objectives. Nonetheless, when life presents you with a bushel of lemons 🍋, darn-it pucker up, get creative & become the premiere citrus connoisseurs & power couples of NC in spite of the detours🤷🏾♀️‼️Thereafter, “Shameless Love” was a good read (3.75⭐s). It just took the scentic route to get to its final destination.
Two amazing love story with the right amount of drama and plenty of fun, humor and love!
Ty and Leydi was only suppose to be a night of fun and turned into so much more. She supported him when his family continued to act a fool. He supported her when their night of fun changed her life in so many ways.
Derrick and Lesha are the same person with their smart mouths to the point all they did was fight or crack jokes at the other. So watching that grow into something deeper was everything.
Idk where to start the prologue had my mouth open!!! I love me some ty and leydi!! Iesha was off the chain you need a friend like her!!! Tia smh she was extra!! Derrick was off the chain too and Gma Shia was wonderful.. his mama his mama his mama smh!! Loved the book from the beginning to end and I loved how she put the title of some of her books in there!! Overall amazing story keep writing
Leydi was real about her stuff and I like that! She didn't back down from being accused of living her life to the fullest, she was just upset about someone invading her privacy. Ty stepped as a man but they both fell hard in the process. Iesha was a true best friend. She and Derrick were hilarious, but knew they wanted one another. This was an outstanding read! I can't wait to see what's next.
What can you say about an author that is consistent in giving you great reads that are unique storyline with the right dose of drama and an element of suspense. I absolutely love Leydi, Ty, Iesha (who knew how to throw hands), and Derrick. All of their connections felt authentic, not forced. I will keep working through her catalog as she is inching up my favorite authors list.
Some would say that the one night of letting the chips fall where they may had the potential to destroy both Ty and Leydi's future, but it didn't.
This was a story of not being ashamed of who you are and what you do as long as you're okay with it. Ty and Leydi getting together was unconventional but their journey showed mutual respect and commitment. Although new, they allowed their relationship to organically grow. Leading proved to be a rider for Ty and he made sure she was taken care of.
The supporting characters and their story was a strong addition to this beautiful story of being open to love when perhaps your actions has the potential to bring unfavorable consequences.
I really liked how the reality of getting pregnant from a one night stand can play out. They don’t know each other so I love that she wasn’t offended he wanted a dna test, and they were both smart to get one. It squashes all those questions immediately. I also liked how this book showed different versions of a parent that’s a chronic drug user. It can be very complicated,as shown in this book.
Mel Dau never cease to amaze me each time I read one of her books. Every time I think the book is my favorite, I read another one and fall in love all over again. This was a great book, with a very unexpected turn of events. There’s love, lessons, and most importantly morals in this book. Just like the last book I read written by Mel Dau, I’ll recommend this book a million times. Great job once again!!
This was a nice read. I enjoyed this book Immensely. Friendships, first-time loves, and life in general are what these young people have to deal with. I love the friendship between Leydi and Iesha College roommates. Tiberius (Ty) and his friend Derrick Childhood friends. This book is worth reading. As always, it's an absolute pleasure reading your books 🥰.
Leydi, Tiberius, Iesha and Derrick I loved them all. They were friends/family that understood what loyalty was all about. They had some hard shakes in life but kept stepping and made the most out of what they had. Who said you can’t find love in the club! And Tia she was a hater to the tenth power and I would have acted just like Iesha. This was a great and quick read.